Inside

Future DirectionsState BudgetProbation and ParoleBoulia fence projectSDL demolition startsIntelligence course

July 2006

Leaders in corrections: Partners in criminal and social justiceCorrections NEWS

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The first sheets of tin are peeled from the roof of Sir David Longland Correctional Centre�s B-block

One of the detention unit�s exercise yards comes down

ContentsMessage from the Minister...3 Future Directions � The Way Ahead...4, 5, & 7 Darling Downs Correctional Centre...6

Message from the Director-General�8 Intelligence officers...9 Graduations...10 Fast News�11-12

Calendar of events and Perspectives�12

Front cover: Clockwise from top left, Townsville entry level graduates; Minister Spence speaks to 17-year old offenders at the Arthur Gorrie CC; S-E Queensland entry level graduates; Boulia Work camp airport project

Deadlines

Contacts:Editor Peter O�Halloran phone 3405 5391 Peter.O�Hall0ran@dcs.qld.gov.au Contributors Carly Wood phone 3405 5386 Carly.Wood@dcs.qld.gov.au; Vanessa Young phone 3405 5390 Vanessa.Young@dcs.qld.gov.au; Helen Schofield phone 3405 5388 Helen.Schofield@dcs.qld.gov.au

Electronic versions of Corrections News are available to DCS staff via the Intranet or to the general public via the Internet at www.dcs.qld.gov.au. Please advise the Media and Communications Unit at media@dcs.qld.gov.au if you would prefer a monthly electrionic reminder directing you to the online version.

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Department of Corrective Services. No article may be produced in full or in part without the permission of the Editor.

CORRECTIONS News is published monthly by the Queensland Department of Corrective Services for its staff and stakeholders.The next issue will be distributed on August 16. Deadline for contributions is August 5.Subsequent issues will come out on Sept 13 (Sept 1) and Oct 11 (Sept 29). Please send disks, hard copy and photographs to the Media and Communications Unit, GPO Box 1054, Brisbane, 4001 or media@dcs.qld.gov.au.The unit reserves the right to edit contributions.Photographs should be black and white or colour prints, or high quality digital photographs.If you are photographed for Corrections News, you will be required to consent to the use of your personal information in accordance with the Queensland Government�s Information Privacy Standard 42. The information privacy principles contained within this Standard govern the collection, use, storage, security, and disclosure of personal information. Consent forms are available on the Intranet or from media unit staff.

Demolition work starts at Sir David Longland

Demolition work started at Sir David Longland Correctional Centre (SDL) last month ahead of the centre�s multi-million dollar redevelopment.

The first metal sheets were peeled from the roof of B-block on June 19.

Demolition of the 84-cell block began in conjunction with the removal of the detention unit and programs building.

The work paves the way for a new 300-cell block, a new reception and processing area, a programs and delivery area and an upgrade of the existing administration and kitchen facilities.

The redevelopment will also provide a new enclosed walkway system, expanded carpark and upgraded staff accommodation.

SDL is scheduled to reopen in 2007 with an extra 216 beds.

Arthur Gorrie expansion

Last month, work began on a major upgrade of Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre (AGCC). The work will boost AGCC capacity by 180 cells.

The works also includes larger visiting areas, accommodation and maintenance areas, additional kitchen facilities and an expanded prisoner reception vehicle lock and detention unit.AGCC will remain operational during the upgrade and a security project officer will oversee security during construction.

Townsville works underway

Work has also started on the new $130 million Townsville Women�s Correctional Centre and negotiations are currently being finalised with a developer for the $142.5 million Townsville Correctional Centre refurbishment and expansion.

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The first sheets of tin are peeled from the roof of Sir David Longland Correctional Centre�s B-block

A message from Minister Judy Spence

This year�s State Budget will continue to improve the security and good order of the State�s correctional facilities. A central plank to this year�s law and order budget is a new Probation and Parole Service, which will be the biggest overhaul of Queensland�s Community Corrections system in more than 15 years.

We are spending $57.5 million over five years on this service and the introduction of court-ordered parole, which will deliver tough new supervision and surveillance.

For the first time in Australia, we will employ intelligence officers who will work with a team of 16 additional surveillance officers funded in this budget to monitor those offenders who pose the greatest risk of re-offending. Offenders will also be put through newly-designed rehabilitation programs.

This budget will also continue to fund the expansion and redevelopment program of Queensland�s prisons to accommodate growing prisoner numbers.

Last year, I announced plans to expand and redevelop the Townsville Women�s, Arthur Gorrie, Sir David Longland and Townsville men�s correctional centres. This Budget will provide a further $207.7 million over three years to continue this work.

Video conferencing will also be provided in correctional centres across the State to enable prisoners to make short court appearances and remove the cost and security issues involved in transporting prisoners. I hope to work with the Attorney-General on ways to better encourage the judiciary to take up this initiative.

After every State Budget comes the exacting preparation for the Estimates Committee hearings.

No department is legally allowed to spend money unless it has been approved by Parliament. The Budget, and then the stamp of approval by the Estimates Committees, is essential if we want to be funded to pay staff, redevelop prisons, fund community correction offices, run programs, etc. Therefore, I have to make a case for the activities of the Department in Parliament and at the Estimates hearing. It also gives me an opportunity to tell my colleagues of the good work of staff in DCS.

I would like to thank everyone who wrote or provided information for the Estimates briefs. I would particularly like to thank Chris Udemans and the team in Finance, Jim Mullen and the custodial centre staff, Peter Camden and the community corrections staff, John Forster and the staff in Facilities, Mark Browning and the Performance and Evaluation Team and Mark Rallings and the Program staff.

I would also like to thank the team that coordinated the briefs � Kylie Griffin, Hannah Jorgensen and Darren Kelly. Finally, I would like to thank Tracey Crosby who coordinated the whole process while also undertaking her normal duties as the Ministerial Liaison Officer. In this high pressure role, Tracey maintained her good humour and laid-back demeanour which made this process more bearable.

Finally, I know Department employees will be interested to know that the corrective services issue that has generated more feedback to my office than any other issue in the sector was news last month of a compensation case involving a Queensland prisoner who did not receive fresh Halal meat.

The Anti-Discrimination Tribunal�s decision to grant the child sex offender $2000 because the prisoner received tinned Halal meat, rather than fresh Halal meat, created a huge public outcry.

In the week that followed, revelations came to light of a new complaint by a pre-operative transgender prisoner who has complained about being denied access to female toiletry items. I have since announced a complete review of prisoner entitlements.

At the end of the day, we are running prisons, not motels. Department of Corrective Services staff have a difficult job as it is ensuring the security, good order and rehabilitation of prisoners. Staff should not have this job compromised, by having to hand out special privileges or pamper prisoners.

I have become increasingly concerned by some of the recent decisions made by the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland and the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal in relation to prisoner entitlements. I will be looking at how, through legislation, we could curtail prisoners� ability to use the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal and Commission for petty and frivolous complaints.

Judy SpenceMinister for Police and Corrective Services

Minister Spence addresses the media at Arthur Gorrie CC

THE WAY AHEADFUTURE DIRECTIONS

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On June 6, the State Budget for 2006-07 was announced signifying the beginning of a new era for corrective services in Queensland.

The Department�s operating budget for 2006-07 is $412.2 million, an increase of $10.5 million.

Central to the budget allocation is the introduction of a tough new system of surveillance for offenders on parole, as part of the new Probation and Parole Service, and the continued roll-out of a massive expansion and redevelopment program within Queensland�s prisons.

The budget announcements form the foundation of the future direction for corrections in Queensland.

The way ahead for the Department focuses on:

� implementing the new Corrective Services Act 2006 � commencing on August 28

� a new Probation and Parole Service � commencing now and fully operational by July 2007

� securing the perimeter, including building new infrastructure � this is ongoing

� getting lives back on track with improved rehabilitation and reintegration programs

� empowering victims by expanding assistance to victims of crime

Budget provides a foundation for future direction

An explanatory booklet is available online, or in hardcopy from the DCS Media Unit. For your copy please phone (07) 3405 5386

THE WAY AHEADFUTURE DIRECTIONS

Probation and Parole Service rollout beginsThe new Probation and Parole Service was launched at south-east Queensland sites on July 3.

About 80 staff from the Brisbane Central, Brisbane South, Southport and Burleigh area offi ces were the fi rst to transition from community corrections to the new service.

Brisbane Central and Southport program hubs also came online on July 3. Nine staff, including a Regional Coordinator, currently work at the two hubs.

On August 28, Mt Isa Community Corrections Offi ce will be the next to transition to the new service. Mt Isa offi ce is also managing the Lower Gulf and Torres Strait Strategy that will see permanent Probation and Parole Service offi ces established in Doomadgee, Mornington Island, and Normanton. Staff are currently training before being deployed to the gulf communities. An area offi ce has also been established at Thursday Island.

Townsville and Thuringowa community corrections offi ces will be the next offi ces to transition to the new Probation and Parole Service in October. A third Program Hub will also open its doors as part of the Townsville offi ce.

In the lead up to the transition, staff will do an intensive training course focusing on their role within one of four key areas � Offender Assessment, Case Management (Intervention), Case Management (Reporting), and Compliance and Surveillance.

The new Probation and Parole regions, which will align with Queensland Police Service regions, will also come into effect on October 2.

The new model will be implemented throughout the State by July 2007. This will include a recruitment phase, beginning March 2007, for 76 new Probation and Parole offi cers and upgrading of 135 current positions.

Brisbane Central�s Probation and Parole staff, from left, Assessment Offi cer Mary Cain, Administration Offi cer Coralie Leslie, Case Management Offi cer Peter Slater, Reporting Offi cer Keith McMorrin, Administration Offi cer Andree Hill, Senior Area Manager Wayne Nugent, Coordinator Kari Richter, and Reporting Offi cer Cassandra Tannock

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For more information about the Budget, The Probation and Parole Service, the Corrective Services Act 2006, Future Directions - The Way Ahead and the Learning & Development Strategic Plan, please refer to www.correctiveservices.qld.gov.au, or the staff intranet. More info?

Mobile drug testing lab

Surveillance and intelligence networks

Supervision

The new Probation and Parole Service will include tough new supervision and surveillance of offenders, stronger links with the courts and the judiciary, and rehabilitation programs to help offenders get their lives back on track.

Under the new model, staff will specialise in one of four roles. This will ensure resources are targeted to risk, decision making is transparent and accountable, and staff have clear roles and responsibilities.

Induction and Assessment

Specialist staff will conduct assessments and establish a case management plan for each offender based on their re-offending risk and needs. The case management plans may include conditions such as program referral, individual counselling, drug testing regimes and employment preparation and assistance. Induction and Assessment staff will also have responsibility for court assessments, home assessments and risk assessments.

Offender Management

Offender Management officers will help offenders develop the skills to successfully complete an order and prevent re-offending. High risk offenders will be individually case-managed by the most experienced staff working closely with intelligence officers, local police, government agencies and community organisations.

Offender Intervention

Tackling the causes of crime is an important step toward breaking the cycle of re-offending and re-admission into prison. There is compelling evidence that shows medium to higher risk offenders who successfully complete cognitive behavioural-based programs are less likely to re-offend.

This reduction in risk is clearly the expectation of the judiciary and a key principle of community safety. Five program services hubs will be established to manage program delivery. These hubs will be in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Maroochydore, Townsville and Cairns.

Programs will address general offending, sexual offending and substance abuse, as well as preparation and maintenance programs.

Compliance and Surveillance

Dedicated Compliance Officers will ensure any breaches of orders are responded to quickly and appropriately. They will also manage community service, and drug and alcohol testing.

Specialist surveillance officers will be employed and a new criminal intelligence network will be established. Random surveillance of offenders will ensure compliance and minimise risk to the community. Higher risk offenders will be closely scrutinised.

The CourtsProviding a better service to the courts will be an essential function of the new Probation and Parole Service. Compliance Officers will also be responsible for the preparation of court briefs and associated documents following the contravention of court orders. The current Court Advisory Service will be replaced with professional prosecutors.

A new Judicial Liaison Unit will strengthen the relationships with the courts and provide up-to-date information to the judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Public Defender.

Parole Boards

Under the new Corrective Services legislation, the Community Corrections Boards will be restructured and renamed. The new structure will establish one statewide board � the Queensland Parole Board � and two regional parole boards.

Community Give Back

Community service projects will be better managed under the new system and give local communities the opportunity to nominate and prioritise projects.

Probation and Parole Service

Parole and throughcare servicesThe new parole system will replace the early release and discharge system and make sure all offenders serve their full sentence either in custody or under community supervision.

Offenders will have access to throughcare support following release through referral to community-based services such as housing, social and health services.

New regional boundariesEight new regions will be introduced with boundaries that correlate to those of the Queensland Police Service (QPS). This alignment will lead to stronger coordination between Corrective Services, QPS, and non-government organisations and assist the surveillance and intelligence networks as they monitor community-based offenders.

Lower Gulf and Torres StraitAs part of the new Probation and Parole Service, Gulf and Torres Strait Island communities will benefit from real sentencing alternatives for judges and magistrates, tougher surveillance of offenders, and state-of-the-art rehabilitation programs.

THE WAY AHEADFUTURE DIRECTIONS

Other key features

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Celebrating work milestones at Darling DownsThe Darling Downs Correctional Centre (DDCC) Work Camp �Fitzroy� accommodation block was officially opened by Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine on May 31.

The opening represented a significant milestone for the program, marking 10 months of operation from DDCC and close to $500,000 worth of community service work (30,551 hours) in Toowoomba and at the Charleville, St George, Mitchell, Dirranbandi communities of western Queensland.

The camp also played a significant role in the clean up following Cyclone Larry, providing about 1800 hours of community service work during a four-week stay.

DCS Director-General Frank Rockett and DDCC A/General Manager Peter Shaddock joined Mr Shine for the official opening, which was attended by about 30 staff and members of the community.

The Fitzroy accommodation block houses up to 60 low-risk prisoners.

During the ceremony, Mr Rockett presented awards to staff for outstanding contributions to the establishment of the camp at the centre.

Recipients included John Draheim, who supervised the construction of the accommodation block; Brian Martens, who worked tirelessly to ensure all elements of the units� relocation and subsequent construction requirements were met; and Dominic McLean, who has been an outstanding ambassador for the centre, establishing and maintaining links between the centre, local communities and Community Advisory Committees.

Work Program Conference

The DDCC Work Program is also gearing up to host this year�s 15th Annual Work Program Conference at their Charleville camp on August 10 and 11.

The event brings Work Camp delegates together from across the State to hear about new initiatives, discuss current issues and for the announcement of the annual Work Awards.

Other news from around the centre

DDCC staff welcomed Russell Dowling to the centre as part of a traineeship program.

Russell works mainly in Sentence Management and will be undertaking training in a Certificate 3 in business.

The centre�s A/General Manager Peter Shaddock and trade partner Toowoomba Furniture Industries (TFI) owner John Geitzel recently presented a piece of furniture to Pittsworth Shire Mayor Cr Roslyn Scotney, to be raffled during the Pittwsworth Chaplaincy Breakfast.

The Chaplaincy program has operated at the Pittsworth State High School for 11 years and is funded by the council and local donations.

TFI operates a commercial partnering manufacturing business within the DDCC perimeter, providing employment and training opportunities for the centre�s prisoners.

The centre also recently hosted the AGM of the Safer Toowoomba Partnerships organisation.

The organisation has operated for about seven years, promoting safety through needs-based crime prevention and injury prevention programs.

DDCC is a member of the organisation, and is currently providing supervised prisoner work crews to develop one of the latest projects, a surburban community centre.

Finally, Jondaryn and Toowoomba shire councils have erected signage at DDCC Work Camp project sites in recognition of the camp�s contributions to the local community.

At the official opening of the DDCC Fitzroy Work accommodation block, from left, DCS Director-General Frank Rockett, Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine, and DDCC A/General Manager Peter Shaddock

DDCC�s Peter Shaddock, left, and TFI�s John Geitzel present Pittsworth Shire Mayor Cr Ros Scotney with a piece of furniture to assist local fundraising for the shire�s Chaplaincy program

Award winners, from left, John Draheim, Dominic McLean and Brian Martens

The Fitzoy accommodation block

DDCC Trade Instructor (Maintenance) Trevor Harvie at one of the local parks the centre�s Work Camp helps maintain

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Learning and Development Strategic PlanCorrective Services Minister Judy Spence and Director-General Frank Rockett launched the Learning and Development Strategic Plan last month at the Training and Development Centre (TDC) in Wacol.

The plan portrays the Department as a public sector human services organisation with a commitment to continuous workforce improvement and it encourages a learning environment for staff.

Mr Rockett said the plan is a forward-looking resource that sets the Department�s course as a learning organisation.

�This framework for implementing learning and development should be accessible to every member of the Department,� he said.

�It calls for a planned approach for development of leadership, encourages all staff to present a positive image of the Department, recognises we exist in a competitive employment market, caters for the growth in prisoner numbers and allows for a geographically dispersed workforce.�

The plan includes strategies for marketing and recruitment, entry level training, professional training, management and leadership training, and retention of current staff.

The Learning and Development Strategic Plan was initiated in 2004, when the Department�s Business Model Review identified the need for a Learning and Development Board and strategic plan.

The launch coincided with celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the TDC, which was attended by more than 100 staff and guests.

Former manager of the centre, Paul O�Neill, was on hand to share some of his memories of the TDC and the changes to training he has witnessed in corrections.

From left, Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence cuts the cake with Director-General Frank Rockett and former TDC manager Paul O�Neill

THE WAY AHEADFUTURE DIRECTIONS

New name reflects future directionQueensland Corrective Services will officially become the Department�s name on August 28.

The change better reflects the service nature of the Department�s activities and is consistent with other government agencies serving the community, such as Queensland�s Police Service and Emergency Services.

Signage

Signage on buildings will be changed in the first month, as will email and internet addresses. Stationery will be progressively changed as new stock is ordered. Most changes will be made within the first three months.

Relevant staff at correctional centres and community corrections area offices will be sent starter packs to assist with the change over.

Some changes, including those to hundreds of linked documents on internet and intranet pages, will be progressively updated over 12 months. Alterations to publicly-accessed documents will take priority.

From August 28, staff email adresses will be;

firstname.secondname@correctiveservices.qld.gov.au

In most circumstances, old style email addresses and web addresses will continue to be recognised for the next 12 months, alongside the new ones.

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Minister inspects youth wing upgradeCorrective Services Minister Judy Spence recently inspected improvements to the accommodation units that house 17-year-old offenders at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre.

Ms Spence requested the refurbishment after visiting the Wacol centre last year, and inspected changes that included a new library, furnishings, paintwork and posters.

During the visit, offenders spoke about their experiences and input into the upgrading of the unit, including painting new posters for display.

�While these refurbishments have been a big improvement, it does not disguise the fact that this is still a correctional centre,� Ms Spence said.

The unit is specially designed to house offenders who have not yet turned 18, but were older than 16 when they committed an offence.

�They may be in their late teens, but these offenders are sent to prison by the courts for serious crimes,� Ms Spence said.

�Just like adult offenders, these 17 year olds have a structured day in which they undertake a range of rehabilitation programs including literacy and numeracy, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

�If we are to successfully rehabilitate these teenagers and break the cycle of offending, we need to ensure they are closely managed and given the skills to get their lives back on track.�

In addition to the young offenders being held at Arthur Gorrie, two 17-year-old male prisoners are being held in other Queensland prisons, and two 17-year-old female prisoners are being detained in the Brisbane Women�s Correctional Centre.

Minister Judy Spence talks with 17 year-old offenders at Arthur Gorrie

Townsville Correctional Centre (TCC) Work Camp finished construction of a 1.7km chain wire fence at Boulia airport recently.

During the 33-day project, camp members worked eight hours a day, six days a week, dug 568 post holes and used 5.5km of barbed wire.

Fencing contractor Steve Norton was instructor and site supervisor during the project. Overall project management was coordinated by Air Services Australia�s Andrew Coyer.

Boulia Shire Council also assisted; providing heavy machinery when challenging rocky terrain proved too tough for jack hammers and a backhoe.

Offenders learned advanced fencing techniques and one worker gained his bobcat operators ticket during the project.

The fence was part of the federal government�s regional airports security upgrade program.

Work underway on the Boulia airport security fence

All fenced in at Boulia airport

with A/Director-GeneralNeil Whittaker

From theDG�s desk

Getting lives back on trackOur job is not to punish offenders. Their punishment is the sentence handed down by the courts. The role of corrective services is humane and secure containment, and provision of intervention programs and services to help offenders get their lives back on track.These programs and services give offenders the skills, training and support to take control of their life and contribute to their community. However, rehabilitation should not be limited to these areas only. It should involve all activities in custodial and community corrections so as to encourage and assist behavioural change by offenders.Rehabilitation should take into account any pre-existing barriers and limitations an offender may have. It should also address offenders� physical, psychological, social, environmental, vocational, and educational functioning.Research shows adult offenders have; an average school leaving age of Year 10 or below, training levels well below the Australian average, and greater rates of unemployment. We know the future requires new thinking, new programs and new structures to meet the challenges of increasing prisoner numbers and a rapidly changing prisoner profile. That is why all programs have been overhauled to ensure we are accessing the best national and international research and training, and why we are focussed on the �what works principle�.A new suite of offender intervention programs has now replaced the old programs. They are supported by new governance, training and on-going support mechanisms to improve practice in their delivery and for the first time, the Department�s rehabilitation focus will be embedded in legislation.Programs such as the Post Release Employment Assistance Program deliver on our objectives. It entails individual skills audits and training needs analysis, career path planning, literacy and numeracy assessment, and referral to an external job search provider for post-release support, work experience, and job search training.The Transitions Program prepares an offender for release through the provision of accurate information, planning assistance, emotional support, and linkages with appropriate community agencies. The program has the longer-term aim of reducing or delaying recidivism by addressing core needs that have been shown to impact upon an offender�s ability to avoid recidivism.Rehabilitation and change does not end at the prison gate. The principle of throughcare means we need to continue intervention services and programs in the community. The Probation and Parole Service, with tougher surveillance and offender management strategies, will also ensure the delivery of targeted rehabilitation programs, increases the effectiveness of community corrections and increases community safety.The new Corrective Services Act 2006 provides every prisoner with the opportunity of supervised early release, allowing corrective services staff to assist prisoners to reintegrate into the community by providing support and assistance.

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Last month, 15 officers graduated from Australia�s only nationally-accredited corrections intelligence course, Queensland�s Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police Intelligence).

Department of Corrective Services (DCS) graduates were joined by two colleagues from Victoria and New South Wales and an officer of the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

At a ceremony at the Training and Development Centre (TDC) on June 30, graduates were presented their certificates by DCS Director-General Frank Rockett and QPS Human Resource Development Branch Chief Superintendent Clem O�Reagen.

Other guests included DCS Correctional Operations Deputy Director-General Alison Hunter, TDC Vocational Education and Training Principal Advisor Dr Robert Burnheim, New South Wales Department of Corrective Services Intelligence Group Superintendent Ken Hughes, representatives from Arthur Gorrie, Borallon and Woodford correctional centres, DCSIG staff, and graduates� family and friends.

Graduates included Joleen Ellis (VIC Corrections), Tony Williams (DCSIG), Rickie Darke (ESU), Graham Jarvis (Borallon), Karen Stuart (Borallon), Graham Williams (Arthur Gorrie), Brad Jones (Woodford), Genni Hartley (DCSIG), Madonna Orchard (Woodford), Kev Watkinson (DCSIG), Michelle Tanner (IMB), Kelvin Gale (Townsville), Donna Nekeman (Arthur Gorrie), Stuart Groombridge (NSW Corrections), and Dan O�Brien (Queensland Police Service).

Since 2001, 32 people from Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales have graduated from the course.

Department of Corrective Services Intelligence Group (DCSIG) welcomed two colleagues from New Zealand last month.

The two-day visit by Don Owen and Graeme Prentice of the New Zealand Department of Corrections Crime Prevention Unit included a briefing about DCSIG�s work.

The pair also examined DSIG�s information management systems, intelligence staffing at a corporate level and the daily activities of intelligence staff working at correctional centres.

The visit included tours of Borallon and Arthur Gorrie correctional centres.

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police Intelligence)

Queensland�s Police Intelligence course leads nation

From left, DCSIG�s Tony Williams, New Zealand�s Graeme Prentice, DCSIG�s John Moss, and New Zealand�s Don Owen during the visit to Borallon

Kiwi pair visit intelligence group

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Community Corrections graduatesEight new graduates of the Community Corrections Entry Level Program finalised their training in late May. The eight included six Community Corrections Officers, hailing from Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Cairns, Ipswich, Pine Rivers and Chermside offices.

The course ran for three weeks and for the first time included a tour of Brisbane Central Office.

Training Officer Karla Hartnett said the tour was an opportunity for the students to meet with Community Operations Executive Director Peter Camden, Manager Vicki Parker, Senior Advisor Procedures and Standards Kiley Tierney, Senior Advisor Communications Dave Beverley and other Central Office staff.

�It was very valuable to speak with these people face to face and learn about their roles and how this side of the Department operates,� she said.

�The participants showed a wide variety of skills, which will be valuable when they return to their area offices.�

In future, entry level programs for Community Corrections officers will be run over three one-week blocks.

This will minimise the impact on other work and home commitments for participants.

Townsville entry level graduation Fourteen staff recently graduated from the Townsville Correctional Centre Entry Level Program.

Graduates included six custodial correctional officers from Lotus Glen Correctional Centre � Errol Brix, Deborah Millwood, Andrew Tabrett, Joyce Tuip, Michele Butler and Vibeke Gargan.

Tara Edwards and Benjamin Daniels were from Capricornia Correctional Centre and David James, Shane Genet, Peter Harrington, David Plozza and Jeremy Ries were from Townsville.

Crystallee Lord also completed the training as part of her Certificate 3 in Correctional Practice.

Entry Level Program Graduates, from left, back row: Peta Attrill, Sandra Vannoordt, Helen Gabriel. Second row: Stacey Kuzma, Elizabeth Adamson. Front row: Kevin Merrett, Danielle Myers, Michael Taylor

New custodial officersMore than 50 correctional officers graduated last month from the custodial Entry Level Program at the Training and Development Centre at Wacol.Correctional Operations Deputy Director-General Alison Hunter awarded each officer a certificate to acknowledge their successful completion of the nine-week course.In her address to the new graduates and their families, Ms Hunter acknowledged the officers� hard work and determination. �You are entering corrections at an exciting time, because many changes to the corrective services legislation will come into effect in late August,� she said.�You�ll implement these changes in centres, as well as assist prisoners through the process.� Graduate Kearny Chang spoke on behalf of the students, praising the high standard of professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication shown by students and lecturers over the nine weeks.�No one dropped out, no one failed, no one gave up,� he said. �We�re all looking forward to working at the forefront of international corrections,� Custodial graduates prepare to take an oath

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FAST news

Activities at BorallonLast month, Borallon Correctional Centre hosted a Program Recognition Ceremony and the annual Men�s Healthy Lifestyles Forum.The Program Recognition Ceremony marked the introduction of the new DCS offender programs Making Choices, Getting Smart, and Transitions, at the centre. Borallon General Manager Troy Ittensohn launched the programs. DCS Offender Programs and Services Executive Director Di Taylor was also a special guest at the ceremony. The introduction of the programs follows an extensive review of offender programs and the introduction of a new suite of programs across the State. The ceremony also marked the graduation of offenders from a number of programs.The lifestyle forum was hosted by the centre on the eve of the second State of Origin. The staff-oriented forum included mini-golf and table tennis and a barbecue, which helped raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Art from the inside

Although much of the artwork came from people with troubled backgrounds, there was no lack of quality at the recent 2006 Prison Fellowship Australia Art Exhibition which ran over three days at the Australian Catholic University, Banyo Campus.

The exhibition hosts acquired two paintings and one, Utendilli - Goanna Dreaming by Indigenous artist Derek Sinden, was presented by the university to the President of Ireland during her July tour of Australia.

This year�s awards attracted 31 entries from prisoners at Woodford, Palen Creek, Maryborough, Brisbane Women�s, Capricornia, Wolston and Borallon correctional centres.

Offender Programs Executive Director Di Taylor attended the exhibition opening. Prisoner Art Program Project Officer Debby Laing assisted Prison Fellowship Australia in organising the exhibition.

In the painting category, Woodford�s David Warner and Mitchell Foley took out first and second place respectively, with Derek Sinden from Wolston third.

Due to the high standard of paintings in this year�s exhibition, a fourth prize was also awarded with this going to Boyd Holbrook from Borallon. Artists from Capricornia, Maryborough and Palen Creek were highly commended. Capricornia�s Lindsay Conrad scored first in Drawing. Wolston�s Chris Onley was judged best in the 3D category, with Clive Nicholson of Woodford second. Placegetter�s artwork will head to Sydney for the national PFA exhibition.

Prison Fellowship Australia is a not-for-profit, public benevolent institution that helps prisoners, former prisoners, and their families.

Offender Programs & Services Executive Director Di Taylor with State Chaplaincy Board Chair Jan Davis and Prison Fellowship Australia�s Norton Russell at the PFA Art Awards opening night

Passing of John Gault

Solving the reintegration puzzleRehabilitation was at the forefront of issues discussed at a two-day conference during June in Brisbane supported by the Department�s Adult Eduction and Vocational Education and Training (AEVET) Branch.

Five DCS staff presented at the Deakin University and WISE Employment Reintegration Puzzle � Collaborating in Support conference to share the Department�s rehabilitation policies, practices and research.

AEVET Manager Ron Cox focused on the improving reintegration outcomes for Queensland ex-prisoners through their participation in VET, integrated with the prison industries program and the Post Release Employment Assistance Program.

�Supporting prisoners to become employment-ready before their release increases the chances of them obtaining employment upon release. So does providing assistance post-release to locate and maintain employment,� Ron said.

Sexual Offending Project Regional Coordinator Linda Bennett spoke about defensiveness in sexual and violent offenders. Linda said the defensive tactics that offenders habitually use to justify their offending behaviour are explained to offenders using �Defence Masks� as a way of illustrating cognitive distortions.

Offender Programs and Services Project Officer Alicia Eugene explained the use of the Transitions Release Preparation Program and the role of �bringing the outside in�.

Programs and Services Acting Principal Advisor Eli Sky spoke about assisting sexual offenders to manage stress.

Lotus Glen Program Support Officer Kylie Nix outlined the use of the Transitions Pre-release Planning Program as a major tool in reducing recidivism.

From left, Offender Programs and Services Project Officer Alicia Eugene, Manager AEVET Ron Cox, Deakin University Professor Joe Graffam and Lotus Glen Program Support Officer Kylie Nix

Long-serving and popular Borallon Correctional Officer John Gault passed away in early July following heart surgery.

Current and former colleagues travelled from as far as Townsville and interstate for his funeral service to bid farewell to a respected colleague and loyal friend.

John was a family man, devoted to his wife, Anne, and two daughters, Helene and Lynda, and loved chatting of adventures with his two young grandsons.

He also loved a good argument and was known to stir the pot, sometimes, simply to elicit a fiery response. He was loyal to mates and worked consistently over 20 years in the Union to help other workers.

John was a mentor at work and always welcomed new officers, often becoming a father figure to them. He served at Boggo Road and Moreton before moving to Borallon when it opened in 1989. He relished telling stories of the old days and will be fondly remembered.

Page 12 / CN July 2006

FAST news

Perspectives

Calendar of events

The calendar of events keeps you up-to-date on departmental celebrations and community activities across the State. The entire 2006 calendar can be found on the DCS intranet or internet at www.dcs.qld.gov.auFor further details or to include your event in the calendar, please contact Statekholder Liaison officer Kylie Griffin at kylie.griffin@dcs.qld.gov.au

Calendar of events

JulyJuly 24 DCS Excellence Awards

Parliamentary Annex, BrisbaneJuly 25 DCS Fraud & Corruption Policy launch

Wolston Correctional CentreJuly 28 Cairns Stakeholders Meeting

Holiday Inn, Cairns

AugustAugust 2 Whole of Government Multicultural Fair

Capricornia Correctional CentreAugust 4 Jeans for Genes Day

Wolston and Palen Creek Correctional CentresAugust 10 � 11 Annual WORC Conference

Charleville Work Program campAugust 10-19 DCS Ekka display and PADD Dog show

Qld Government Pavillion, RNAAugust 18 Battle of Long Tan Memorial Service (Vietnam Vets Day)

Wolston Correctional CentreAugust 24 Brisbane Stakeholders Meeting

Education House, Mary StreetAugust 28 Queensland Corrective Services � new name

Prisoner swapped clothes with twin

A Russian prisoner swapped clothes with his identical twin brother, who is also his lawyer, and walked out of jail. The jailbreak happened when guards left the former policeman � on trial for running a criminal gang � alone in his cell with his lawyer brother. The pair swapped clothes and ID cards before the prisoner calmly walked out the front door and got into a waiting car. His twin brother has now been charged with assisting a jailbreak. www.ananova.com

Convicts hitch helicopter ride out of Greek prison

A helicopter landed in the middle of a high security Athens prison, picked up two prisoners and flew away in a Hollywood-style escape that has left Greek police stunned. A criminal on the run hijacked the helicopter to get his brother out of prison, police said. The man was serving a 25-year sentence for kidnapping and bank robbery. �The guards thought it was a surprise inspection by ministry officials and did nothing,� a police official said. The helicopter pilot, who said he was forced at gunpoint to undertake the mission, flew the inmates to a nearby cemetery and they made their escape on motorbikes. http://today.reuters.co.uk

Smile, you�re on candid camera

Police in Arlington, Texas, were greatly assisted in solving an armoured car robbery. The robber, with gun in hand running for his car, was parked beside a busload of Japanese tourists, who aimed their cameras when they heard the commotion. Many prints of the man�s face and license plate became available, and he was picked up a short time later. www.newsoftheweird.com

Cognitive Self Change ProgramThe roll-out of new offender programs continued last month, with staff from Woodford and Wolston correctional centres training in a new high intensity program that addresses violent offenders.

Negotiations have started with the centres to conduct the Cognitive Self Change Program on a 12-month-pilot basis.

The program is used by HM Prison Service in the United Kingdom and was identified during the DCS offender programs review as the best program to replace the Violence Intervention Program. It was developed by Dr Jack Bushand and is also used in the United States, Scotland and the ACT.

Dr Bush conducted the first week of training for DCS staff. He was joined by Dr Daryl Harris, who was involved in an adaptation of the program in the UK.

The program is based on the philosophy of engaging violent, anti-social offenders through a strategy of choices that does not try to convince them to change.

It asks them to learn skills to monitor their thinking and notice when their thoughts or feelings are leading them to violence. It generates alternative thinking, which leads them away from hurting others in a way they can feel good about.

Fourteen staff from the centres participated in the two-week training course. As part of the pilot process, centre management and facilitators will be actively involved in the implementation planning and eventual adaptation of the program to the Queensland context.

Official farewells for long serving visitorsChief Inspector Forbes Smith has thanked a number of retiring official visitors for their work at correctional centres around Queensland. During a morning tea at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, Mr Smith presented Robert Colless with a plaque honouring his work at the centre over the past 13 years.

Official Visitors Coordinator Jennie Christie presented Graham Lee with a plaque at Borallon Correctional Centre for his 10 years service at centres across south-east Queensland. At Darling Downs Correctional Centre, staff farewelled OV Ray Adams after 11 years dedicated service. The former Police Officer was very supportive of the WORC program during its early years in Charleville.

Retiring OV Ray Adams and his wife Margaret at DDCC farewell

Lotus Glen OV Robert Colless, left, and Chief Inspector Forbes Smith

Executive Director appointedFiona Rafter has been appointed as the Strategic Policy and Services Executive Director. Fiona has worked extensively over the last 18 months on the review of the Corrective Services Act (2000) and the preparation of the new legislation recently passed by Parliament.